U.S. and Iraqi forces have pushed into the western edge of insurgent-held Fallujah and taken control of the city's main hospital and two key bridges over the Euphrates river. The bridges are main routes west out of Fallujah.

Fighting was also reported on the outskirts of the city, as U.S. warplanes and artillery pounded insurgent targets. Coalition forces were reported to be coming under mortar and small arms fire

The initial attacks on Fallujah began after Iraq's interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi on Sunday declared a 60-day state of emergency throughout most of the country.

Thousands of U.S. and Iraqi troops have massed on the edge of Fallujah awaiting orders for an all out assault on the city.

On Sunday, insurgents killed at least 21 policemen in attacks in the western towns of Haditha and Haqlaniya.